Prints and color continue to play a huge role in fashion, from expression on garments to personalization in accessories, and everything in between.
Toms Tee, J.Crew Japan Tee, PINK Rays Tank, PINK Sleep Pant, FNO Tote, M. Jacobs Tote, Anthro Printed Tee
Up until recently, textiles were only printed using tools like silkscreens and stencils. Complex processes such as resist dying in which textile designers use wax to deter dies from adhering to the fabric, were common practices. Other substances such as mordant, were also used to attract and absorb the colors.
While these processes can still be efficiently used to dye fabrics and create patterns, many modern textile designers use a process called direct printing, which is actually pretty self explanatory.
Although silkscreening is still wildly popular throughout the fabric business, a new and innovative process known as Digital Textile Printing or DTG (Direct To Garment) printing, in which ink jets are used to directly print patterns onto garments and fabrics.
For this process, it is clear that the print designer must be pretty successfully digitally literate. The print is designed and modified completely on the computer, and never leaves the digital world through the entire printing process.
Even modern silk screeners use the computer to digitally design prints, choose fonts, and create and edit their final products, prior to printing. A company called Custom Logo USA has created a two part tutorial of the screen printing process using a digitally designed logo.
The Printing process is just one example of how the world of technology has influenced the fashion business for the better. Digital designs create smooth lines, precise forms, and brilliant color. Whether a printer decides to go for a modern take, or kick it old school, they will almost always come in contact with digitality.
LHR
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